• In their latest issue of “Making Moves” JTA breaks down why its proposed Bus Rapid Transit system is better than light rail and much of the argument is based on cost. According to JTA, the capital cost of the BRT system would be between $388 million and $557 million. The light rail would cost between $974 million and $1.1 billion. The cost per mile is also vastly different: $11 million to $16 million for BRT compared to $22 million to $32 million for light rail.
• While the Jacksonville Port Authority readies for the agreements between Asian shipping lines to bear fruit, it may be Brazil that offers the next economic leap. Joshua “J.R.” Rodriggs, port manager for Latin American and intermodal sales, and Jorge Arce, director of the export assistance center for the U.S. Department of Commerce, said City of Jacksonville officials have been invited to speak at the World Conference on Development of Cities in Brazil in February. Although some Brazilian companies already import and export through Jacksonville, Rodriggs and Arce said Brazil is the next big shipping giant that could greatly impact Jacksonville’s port and economy. “Brazil is the number one trading partner in Florida by far, but Miami takes a huge chunk of that business,” said Arce. “This conference is a way to promote to a world audience what’s happening in Jacksonville.”
• St. Johns Riverkeeper Neil Armingeon recently won the Outspoken Citizen award from the Southside Businessmen’s Club. He joins the likes of former mayors John Delaney and Ed Austin and other prominent community leaders to win the award.
• Just a reminder, the Jacksonville Community Council Inc.’s (JCCI) “How to be a Treasurer” training seminar starts January 5 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the JCCI offices at 2434 Atlantic Blvd. In February, JCCI Forward will also present a three-part training session on “How to be a Non-profit Board Member.” To register or for more information, call 396-3052 or e-mail [email protected].
• Jacksonville business owners looking to add an extra potential revenue source are invited to attend the “How to Become a Florida Lottery Retailer” seminar hosted by officials from the Florida Lottery Jan. 23 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Maggiano’s Little Italy in the St. Johns Town Center. Those interested should call 996-1887 or 966-1887 (en español) and RSVP by Jan. 18.
• Dignity U Wear, is looking for volunteers to help the non-profit organization this holiday season. The local organization provides new clothing to men, women and children in need. Volunteers help process 100 percent of the incoming inventory. The warehouse is at 136 N. Myrtle Ave. Volunteer hours are: Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m.-noon and 12:30-4 p.m. and Saturdays 9-11:30 a.m. and noon-2 p.m. Groups or individuals interested in volunteering should call 636-9455 to schedule their volunteer shift.
Jacksonville Bar Association members, don’t forget you have all week to get your photo taken for the 2008 Professional Directory. Stop by our studio on Bay Street between Newnan and Ocean any time between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.